I don't know anything about musical instruments but I absolutely love the transition in tempo at 11:08 where the drums and grunts are suspended and wind and strings slowly take over to create a moment of soaring, symphonic elegance.
We have keyboard instrument you can carry , does not need cables and plays as long you have power , Tico Tico ruclips.net/video/_rAsnJJbimU/видео.html 1 min 53
I’m a recent convert to Epica, after foolishly dismissing them years ago on the basis of a couple of tracks that I didn’t like. Then early this year I came across their video for The Skeleton Key and I was absolutely blown away. Since then I went from 0 - 60 in a few weeks and literally bought the Omega album on the basis of 2 songs and that whole album is absolutely amazing. I’ve also checked out songs from The Holographic Principle, Design Your Universe and more. Simone’s voice is astounding, such incredible range and depth of sound and ability, I’d say she’s on a par with Kate Bush in terms of her incredible high tones. Then Mark comes in with some brilliant growls, yet still audible and decipherable which works better within the story framework of the songs. So yeah, new Epica fan right here, I’d list them in my current Top 3 fave bands, I just wish I hadn’t waited so long to discover them. 🤘🏻🙂
you need to check out their streaming concert "Omega Alive" as the the only reactor that really responds to production...you will have a field day with this concert....the production is f***** insane
The acoustic version Abyss o'Time actually have more gear in the video. And is so interestingly different. You might find yourself a bit challenged on some of the gear - accordion, cello, violin, flute et.
Epica keep the harsh vocals along with the operatic once since their first album and it sounds so great. And their albums are always high production and having great songs and concepts
The goddess in Simone really comes out in this one. She is descended from a family of Valkyries I'm sure. The old guy was in the woods to cut down trees illegally so the forest nymph appears to show him the error of his ways and to distract him with her obvious charms... Cool reaction Tank.
This record so far sounds incredible, production-wise. I think it doesn't get talked about a lot, but the level of production from metal bands of the last 3-4 years has skyrocketed. Whether it's the better gear or that producers have tamed the digital production beast, you can listen to any album or EP from an indie metal band from the most remote part of the world, and most of them sound killer. And i'm not even speaking about the quality of compositions, which is getting more and more obscene of how good it is.
Note for future facts: Joost van den Broek also plays the keys in several bands. And was a member together with Mark Jansen of After Forever with Floor.
Floor Jansen did have a meeting with him in last summer , talking about her solo music projects ... those were going to come soon or in 10 years time .
Joost joined After Forever 2 years after Mark left the band. So you can say they both played in After Forever, but you can't say they were members at the same time.
You could say that 2 bands really helped to inspire Epica. Simone Simons, switching to classical singing after listening to Nightwish's Oceanborn. Followed by Epica being initially called Sahara Dust, but in changing their name, they took inspiration from the band Kamelot's 6th studio album - Epica.
Plus Simone was the guest vocalist on Kamelot's next album after "Epica". And I heard that she's married to one of Kamelot's band members. Those two bands are really intertwined, ha ha.
Totally know what I'm gonna treat myself to next month. Epica's and Architects' new albums will definitely be on my shopping list 😁 By the way, you could already check out 2 more singles. "Rivers" that Chase reacted to a few days ago is one of them, "Freedom - The wolves within" the other. Sure you'd enjoy those, too :D Oh, and they already did an acoustic of this one which is just gorgeous 🥰
Loved the image of Chase... Looking at you like he was saying "Yes Tank, you do you... Let me do me...". About the keyboard, I imagine it's like those curved computer keyboards, it may take some getting used to. But once you've discovered the curved hack, you won't go back :). I've been using a curved keyboard for my computer for years and can't type comfortably on a straight keyboard anymore. This was another great reaction/Tankfact video, once again. Thanks!
coen does play both the straight and curved keyboards, the straight one he usually plays on is on a 360 rotatable stand which was mobile on their latest tours, i believe its the official live video of consign to oblivion where you can see him play the keyboard on one side of the stage then pushing it along the rails towards the other side continuing playing the song there
this version makes me headbang the accoustic makes me emotional and tiery eyed... epica and specially simone have these powers thanks for checking this one out Rivers is super super emotional enjoy the album and *ROCKON*
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!! I've been waiting for thiiiis for so looong! I'm so glad you liked the music and the video! I've been obsessed with it since it came out. Also, if you look at the comments on the video there are people that have been trying to analyze the details of the video and it's super interesting how everyone has found some nuggets of metaphors and other such things related to the visuals and the song itself. As an aside, I cannot comment on the song and video without pointing out how glorious Simone's looks are in this. I freaking love the headdresses and both the costumes she wore. The golden one is *chef's kiss*. I may have a big girl crush on Floor, but I feel like the one I have for Simone is even stronger if possible xD Also, thank you for talking about the portable keyboard that Coen plays with and giving us all the info you could on it. He really likes to play it during live performances on certain songs and even crowdsurf with it in hand, hehe. I cannot wait to see your thoughts on Freedom and Rivers (though there's literally no gear in both the videos), and also the acoustic version of this one, Abyss o'time (where you see quite a bit of gear). Finally, I can say that I would really like to see more Epica on your channel, for sure (but I'm slightly biased as they've stolen the n°1 spot of my favourite band a few years back lol)
YEEEES :) Finally some Epica here on the channel again. Absolutely LOVE these guys and the new record for sure will be killer. Really recommend the song Design Your Universe (Retrospect Tour), it's live with an orchestra and it has one of their best and most epic choruses
So good to see Epica back in your channel! Some other songs you could react to: Essence of silence Universal death squad Freedom - the wolves within - Victims of contingency The second stone The obsessive devotion Monopoly of truth Cry for the moon
Hi Tank, thanks for your reaction on this song. Being an Epica fan as well as having wolves as favorite animals, I really really hope you'll be doing more of this new album, the song Freedom (The Wolves Within) to be exact. The song is based on a well know (I thought) Cherokee story. It contains even less gear, but the visuals are amazing! EDIT: and about that keyboard: you can't just walk around on stage with it, but I've seen him crowdsurfing with it too! ;-)
I would like to thank you and Chase for showing me so many new artists/bands. My music taste have expanded alot. Orbit culture, avatar(im from sweden and had never heard of them 😲),epica,wintersun and many more. Great reaction btw 😁 keep up the good work.
Another pre-order here too... Hats off to the arrangers of all the strings, horns, choir, etc. for Epica and others. A fan of classical music and this just gives a much fuller sound and more stuff to play with to change the tone/mood.of the skng.
I saw Epica in NYC about a year ago, Coen crowd surfed while playing that keyboard. It was wild. Coen was kinda the star in general for me, lots of fun antics throughout the show.
This will be definitely one of my favorite Epica songs. I haven't been a fan of the last two albums that much but this album has given great singles lead by this that I'm pretty exited :P
I’m glad you see you reacting to this song! The 3 singles released so far for this album have me very excited to hear the whole thing, and I’m glad to see you’re excited for it as well! Their previous album, The Holographic Principle has a lot of great music but not a lot of people have reacted to it. I hope you’ll get around to hearing some music from that album. For now, though, if there’s one Epica song I’d like to see you react to, it’s “Victims of Contingency,” from their album, The Quantum Enigma. Although it’s a relatively short song, it’s quite the explosion of heavy music. The chorus has the quintessential Epica sound, while everything else draws inspiration from the heavier sub-genres of metal. I think the song highlights well the death metal influences the band had earlier in its history, for instance. Anyway, I recommend checking out Epica’s own video for it, “Pinkpop 2014 Aftermovie - Victims of Contingency.” It’s the closest you’ll get to a live performance with a good sounding mix. There is the official music video from Nuclear Blast, but it doesn’t really show much in the way of gear.
What I love most about Epica is how starkly they contrast between the symphonic elements and the very heavy elements. I especially love the contrasts between Mark’s metal screaming and Simone’s lyrical clean vocal singing. I love the traditional symphonic music as well as the (oftentimes _very_) very heavy metal music. I like how the band tends to keep both elements separated for the greatest contrast, although they also sometimes mix the two to great effect! I have to say, as much as I really like Blind Guardian’s symphonic metal tracks (you should check out Blind Guardian’s “Wheel of Time,” very epic stuff!), Nightwish and Epica have the very best symphonic metal music out there; they prove the two genres of music can co-exist beautifully.
YES! i was hoping you would do this one soon :D Its a great song! i love the contrast between vocals. Epica in general got a perfect mix of the symphonic elements and the heavy stuff. just love it! You should check out Meadows End - Non-Dreaming Eye, its a killer song with a cool video with lots of gear ;)
That was Excellent!!! I wasn’t really a fan of metal music but I agree with your comments about symphonic metal - they styles blend well for a dynamic effect. Then add surreal video production and - wow!!! Thanks as always and to borrow from Chase HADGD.
It's nice to hear more about your musical background and you putting some of that into your reactions. I like this a lot🎶 The title reminded me of a line from Nosferatu... Time is an abyss, profound as thousand nights..~ Great song!!!🤘🏻🤩
In the game of symphonic metal singers being married to members of other bands: Simone is married to the keyboard player in Kamelot (also touring keyboard player of Doro for a time)
Here's my thoughts on the video. The song is about freeing yourself, achieving inner peace, and reaching enlightenment on an individual and societal level. The singers are representing life and death personified. Simone's halo recalls that associated with Apollo, Jesus, Buddha etc throughout history while Mark wears the robed outfit associated with death. The logger is being lead by nymph-like woman, a common folklore motif of nature incarnate as a beautiful woman who leads men astray. Simone and Mark are playing chess representing fate dueling over the outcome of the loggers life, death wins and the nymph turns and reveals herself. The two women dancing dressed in white and black are also representative of life and death, a reminder of how our existence is a fleeting glimmer between these two competing forces. As the old man / logger closes his eyes and folds into death's embrace the camera zooms out revealing the expansive forest and the continuity of life, with the closing shot of the fog over the forest showing that nature / time wins in the end and is eternal. The choice of the old man as a logger is a nice juxtaposition to the lyrics about the tree of life.
Great reaction. Since you're interested in Rob's bass, he has a playthrough on RUclips of their second Omega single, "Freedom". So if you ever check out that song might be worth checking out the playthrough as well. But yeah, Rob's a big fan of Hellboy. 👍
The last few Epica albums has been produced by Joost van den Broek, whom as you say also works a lot with Arjen Lucassen/Ayreon. But fun fact he was also the keyboardist in After Forever, Floor Jansen's first band. The whole metal community is like one big family. Also, Tank, WHY IN THE HELL HAVE YOU NOT DONE THE EPICA KINGDOM OF HEAVEN PT 3 OMEGA (A)LIVE SONG YET??? WE NEED YOUR TECHNICAL INPUT!
Joost van den Broek is also an ex-bandmate from After Forever, and IIRC ex-boyfriend, of our old friend Floor Jansen. And I don't know if you knew this, but Mark Jansen was in After Forever with Floor as well (they're not related).
You might like Epica "Universal Death Squad" Lyric video. It's a "jam session" style video, so you get to see quite a bit of gear. Plus it's a killer song.
You might want to check out another Song from the Upcoming Album... its ... diffrent.. but awesome: EPICA - Rivers (OFFICIAL VISUALIZER) , zero gear there though.. still very special Also really worth checking out is Epica - Design your Universe (Retrospect)
Epica is and always will be my favorite band, ever. Its hard for any band to consistently put out awesome album after awesome album. They've gone a long ways since the first two albums. Recruiting Isaac and Arien has shown to be good decisions, because they've only went uphill starting at Divine Conspiracy. A lot of Symphonic Metal fans like to say Nightwish is the superior Symphonic Metal band, but I personally think Epica is. They never had a period where the fan base split apart, saying this or that era was better. They never had massive changes in the lineup (replacing the bass, guitar and drums one time in 18 years is pretty good to me) or sound of the band. They consistently put out great music. They know what works and what the fans want. They're not full of any egos and everyone can be involved with songwriting. And they're super cool people as well. Not to mention Joost is one of the best in the business in mixing and producing and I'm glad they're using him consistently. I wish more bands could use him. I have no doubts this album will be great. Maybe that's the fan boy in me talking. I don't know, but the 3 singles released so far have been spectacular.
Hey Tank, absolutely love your channel. Just saw your reaction to Consign to Oblivion and since you loved this song too it would be great to see you do some more of their big hits! You should check out their live Retrospect 10 year anniversary with a full orchestra and choir!
Thank you for this great reaction. I saw Epica in Montreal 3-4 years ago in a small venue. They were great and sound epic live, It would be cool if you could react to some Fleshgod Apocalypse that were an opening act in that show in Montreal. Take Care!
MORE EPICAA PLEASE !!!!! I never get tired of requesting Design Your Universe live Retrospect, The Essence of Silence LIVE is also a great headbanging song, Ascension Dream-State Armaggedon (shows Epica's death and black metal influences) has a very cool lyric video made out of live footage ( in for the gear) or even Unleashed live retrospect is another cool one for you to analyze.
I bought one of their albums based on the their album cover. Fuck me i was so over the moon when i hit play for the first time. Tank mate, i know you have listened to Soilwork but please react to their "Death In General" video... There is something that will make you laugh a side from how insane the song is.
Hey man, I tell you the same I commented to Chase this days, don't miss listening to the acoustic version of this song! ("Abyss O'Time") In that video you could have a better look to the drum kit, but the other instruments might be a little out of your comfort zone 😅, so it would be fun if you are up to the challenge! At the very least, you'll see how diverse Epic can be musically! Love your videos, as always.
Dude, what about Demons and Wizards, The Gunslinger from Wacken? Awesome supergroup featuring Iced Earth and Blind Guardian musicians. Plus some vocals and musicians that contribute regularly on Ayreon projects. And Wintersun. They deserve more attention. Cheerz, mate 🤘
This song is awesome. They made an accoustic version called Abyss O'Time, you should also listen to Rivers (new song), both songs are really beautiful!
Man, I love Epica! Not my favorite song but dang good. I'll have to go and preorder this now. If I had to conduct or arrange this the time signatures for the pre and chorus is a very solid 3/4. It could be counted in 6/8 but the tempo adjustment would be difficult. For me, it feels way more in 3. I would also love to play a Dingwall. The NG-3 is my dream bass. Also, I love how the folk metal gets you. I love it too.
If Disney met metal and they had a baby it would definitely be this song. 😂 I absolutely love this song it is my favorite Epica song by far. Thank your reaction was very fun to watch. I absolutely loved this whole video thank you. 🤘😋🤘
yeaah! finally epica again! nice reaction tank that new album is really grood so far! hope you will also react to older live shows these 2 are highly recommended! Epica - The Essence Of Silence (OFFICIAL LIVE VIDEO) ruclips.net/video/P6hX5rpEOgY/видео.html EPICA - Unleashed (OFFICIAL LIVE) ruclips.net/video/rxd6sxLxdys/видео.html greetings from the netherlands
Hy Tank i like symphonic metal! in Dutch there are Epica, Within Temptation, Delain and also the Project Ayreon. And also Simone Epica, Floor Nightwish and After Forever, Sharon Within Temptation, Anneke van Giersbergen The Gathering and Charlotte Wessels from Delain. Wonderful music !!!!°
For some reason I thought that Coen's bendy keyboard was attached to a belt/chest rig like the drummers in a marching band wear, but a guitar strap makes a whole lot more sense. And it's probably a fair bit more comfortable to wear too. As far as playing it goes? I'm willing to bet it took him a good few days of practice to get used to that. It'd probably take me forever to get used to it.
Dude - love your reactions - they're fantastic. A lesser known symphonic metal band to check out is Diabulus in Musica. Their live video "Lies In Your Eyes" is well done and will give you the chance to check out some gear. Keep up the great work!
That wireless keyboard is definately designed for live performance. I think with practice you will have no problem with the bend, once muscle memory kicks in!
Please do Ayreon - This Human Equation (featuring Simone Simons) at some point! And Kamelot - The Haunting (Somewhere In Time) (also featuring Simone Simons) :p Also throwing out some older Epica songs like Chasing the Dragon (which has a really cool recent live version) and Cry for the Moon
A good one to check out: MaYaN. A side project Mark with some members of other symphonic bands, it is symphonic but darker then Epica, check out Saints don't die
You should react to Kingdom of Heaven! It's arguably their best song and has plenty of gear for you to check out in the video. The fan cam video has great audio in the live setting, although I think it's audio from the album over the top. I'd say Kingdom of Heaven is to Epica what Ghost Love Score is to Nightwish. Keep these videos coming, more Epica of any kind please!!
Probably you already know as Chase might have mentioned it to you (he's already done it) the live performance of Epica's Unleashed from the 10th Anniversary Retrospect show it has something special a little way in from the start that you should see. Maybe you've seen similar maybe not. This is the official video - ruclips.net/video/rxd6sxLxdys/видео.html
Yo Tank, you might have forgotten but we didnt! we still waiting for both "Hollow Prophet - Infernal Cleasing" and "Slice the cake - The Mountains of Man"! :D
![ROADIE REACTIONS | "Epica - Consign to Oblivion (Live)" | [FIRST TIME EVER LISTENING]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/S_wZP8AmA2Q/mqdefault.jpg)
![ROADIE REACTIONS | "Epica - Consign to Oblivion (Live)" | [FIRST TIME EVER LISTENING]](/img/tr.png)
![Summer Walker - Heart Of A Woman [Official Lyric Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/SFddctbZzw8/mqdefault.jpg)
Would love Epica more regularly on the channel for sure. They're right up there with Nightwish for me as one of my favorite bands.
Think if they played together EPICA would be the headliner They just have so many solid songs over 25
instablaster
Epica is always so................ epic.
Alright I'll show myself out.
*slowly clapping on your way out*
just could not help yourself could you. haha
I don't know anything about musical instruments but I absolutely love the transition in tempo at 11:08 where the drums and grunts are suspended and wind and strings slowly take over to create a moment of soaring, symphonic elegance.
Keyboard: Free movement on stage...... not only there, he even crowdsurfs with it!
Just wanted to write that 🤣 Coen is definitely the coolest keyboard player around
@@ShadowhispersBand He's honestly half the fun of going to an Epica concert. Dude just has a blast up there and it's super infectious.
We have keyboard instrument you can carry , does not need cables and plays as long you have power , Tico Tico ruclips.net/video/_rAsnJJbimU/видео.html 1 min 53
@@pete_lind 🤣🤣🤣 Excellent !
I’m a recent convert to Epica, after foolishly dismissing them years ago on the basis of a couple of tracks that I didn’t like.
Then early this year I came across their video for The Skeleton Key and I was absolutely blown away.
Since then I went from 0 - 60 in a few weeks and literally bought the Omega album on the basis of 2 songs and that whole album is absolutely amazing. I’ve also checked out songs from The Holographic Principle, Design Your Universe and more.
Simone’s voice is astounding, such incredible range and depth of sound and ability, I’d say she’s on a par with Kate Bush in terms of her incredible high tones.
Then Mark comes in with some brilliant growls, yet still audible and decipherable which works better within the story framework of the songs.
So yeah, new Epica fan right here, I’d list them in my current Top 3 fave bands, I just wish I hadn’t waited so long to discover them. 🤘🏻🙂
Epica is by far the best symphonic metal band. Heavy metal and heavy orchestra!!!
you need to check out their streaming concert "Omega Alive" as the the only reactor that really responds to production...you will have a field day with this concert....the production is f***** insane
The acoustic version Abyss o'Time actually have more gear in the video. And is so interestingly different. You might find yourself a bit challenged on some of the gear - accordion, cello, violin, flute et.
Nice! Thanks!
@@TankTheTech
it's like a happy Folk version of the song:
EPICA - Abyss O'Time (OFFICIAL ACOUSTIC VIDEO)
Was gonna say the same - even if it's on your own time, Abyss o' Time is 100% worth seeing
Epica keep the harsh vocals along with the operatic once since their first album and it sounds so great. And their albums are always high production and having great songs and concepts
The goddess in Simone really comes out in this one. She is descended from a family of Valkyries I'm sure. The old guy was in the woods to cut down trees illegally so the forest nymph appears to show him the error of his ways and to distract him with her obvious charms... Cool reaction Tank.
This record so far sounds incredible, production-wise. I think it doesn't get talked about a lot, but the level of production from metal bands of the last 3-4 years has skyrocketed. Whether it's the better gear or that producers have tamed the digital production beast, you can listen to any album or EP from an indie metal band from the most remote part of the world, and most of them sound killer.
And i'm not even speaking about the quality of compositions, which is getting more and more obscene of how good it is.
Note for future facts: Joost van den Broek also plays the keys in several bands. And was a member together with Mark Jansen of After Forever with Floor.
He's a regular on the Ayreon projects too, talented fella
Yes! Tank has to check out Ex-Libris with Joost on keys (and production).. Any song from the ANN trilogy will do!
Floor Jansen did have a meeting with him in last summer , talking about her solo music projects ... those were going to come soon or in 10 years time .
@@pete_lind hes currently doing the music for her covers.
Joost joined After Forever 2 years after Mark left the band. So you can say they both played in After Forever, but you can't say they were members at the same time.
You could say that 2 bands really helped to inspire Epica. Simone Simons, switching to classical singing after listening to Nightwish's Oceanborn. Followed by Epica being initially called Sahara Dust, but in changing their name, they took inspiration from the band Kamelot's 6th studio album - Epica.
Plus Simone was the guest vocalist on Kamelot's next album after "Epica". And I heard that she's married to one of Kamelot's band members. Those two bands are really intertwined, ha ha.
Totally know what I'm gonna treat myself to next month. Epica's and Architects' new albums will definitely be on my shopping list 😁
By the way, you could already check out 2 more singles. "Rivers" that Chase reacted to a few days ago is one of them, "Freedom - The wolves within" the other. Sure you'd enjoy those, too :D Oh, and they already did an acoustic of this one which is just gorgeous 🥰
You need to add this album to your wall. It's a true masterpiece!! Epica keep getting better and better!
Loved the image of Chase... Looking at you like he was saying "Yes Tank, you do you... Let me do me...". About the keyboard, I imagine it's like those curved computer keyboards, it may take some getting used to. But once you've discovered the curved hack, you won't go back :). I've been using a curved keyboard for my computer for years and can't type comfortably on a straight keyboard anymore. This was another great reaction/Tankfact video, once again. Thanks!
coen does play both the straight and curved keyboards, the straight one he usually plays on is on a 360 rotatable stand which was mobile on their latest tours, i believe its the official live video of consign to oblivion where you can see him play the keyboard on one side of the stage then pushing it along the rails towards the other side continuing playing the song there
This was absolutely an instant pre-order for me the first time I heard this song. I love Epica and they just keep getting better.
this version makes me headbang the accoustic makes me emotional and tiery eyed... epica and specially simone have these powers
thanks for checking this one out
Rivers is super super emotional
enjoy the album and *ROCKON*
wow. great song and this melody is so catchy. it stucked in my head
You'll probably love the 'pub' version too. Look for Abyss O'Time 🍻
I'm happy you're digging Epica. Can't wait for more from their catalog.
Great to see Epica getting some Love. They are an absolutely amazing band.
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!! I've been waiting for thiiiis for so looong!
I'm so glad you liked the music and the video! I've been obsessed with it since it came out. Also, if you look at the comments on the video there are people that have been trying to analyze the details of the video and it's super interesting how everyone has found some nuggets of metaphors and other such things related to the visuals and the song itself.
As an aside, I cannot comment on the song and video without pointing out how glorious Simone's looks are in this. I freaking love the headdresses and both the costumes she wore. The golden one is *chef's kiss*. I may have a big girl crush on Floor, but I feel like the one I have for Simone is even stronger if possible xD
Also, thank you for talking about the portable keyboard that Coen plays with and giving us all the info you could on it. He really likes to play it during live performances on certain songs and even crowdsurf with it in hand, hehe.
I cannot wait to see your thoughts on Freedom and Rivers (though there's literally no gear in both the videos), and also the acoustic version of this one, Abyss o'time (where you see quite a bit of gear).
Finally, I can say that I would really like to see more Epica on your channel, for sure (but I'm slightly biased as they've stolen the n°1 spot of my favourite band a few years back lol)
YEEEES :) Finally some Epica here on the channel again. Absolutely LOVE these guys and the new record for sure will be killer.
Really recommend the song Design Your Universe (Retrospect Tour), it's live with an orchestra and it has one of their best and most epic choruses
Pleaseeee keep the Epica reactions coming when you can! Epica is such an awesome band and you haven't grasped anything yet :D Love the reactions
I’m so happy you liked it so much ^^ Simone Simons is a huge inspiration!
So good to see Epica back in your channel!
Some other songs you could react to:
Essence of silence
Universal death squad
Freedom - the wolves within -
Victims of contingency
The second stone
The obsessive devotion
Monopoly of truth
Cry for the moon
Hi Tank, thanks for your reaction on this song. Being an Epica fan as well as having wolves as favorite animals, I really really hope you'll be doing more of this new album, the song Freedom (The Wolves Within) to be exact. The song is based on a well know (I thought) Cherokee story. It contains even less gear, but the visuals are amazing! EDIT: and about that keyboard: you can't just walk around on stage with it, but I've seen him crowdsurfing with it too! ;-)
Can’t wait for this album in February. You should add Rivers by Epica to your list soon! Simone was MEANT to sing Ballads, it is just wow. 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
Epica is awesome. Can’t wait to hear the album and your reactions. I love this song. Simone has some pipes
Coen’s keyboard is so cool
I would like to thank you and Chase for showing me so many new artists/bands. My music taste have expanded alot. Orbit culture, avatar(im from sweden and had never heard of them 😲),epica,wintersun and many more. Great reaction btw 😁 keep up the good work.
Another pre-order here too...
Hats off to the arrangers of all the strings, horns, choir, etc. for Epica and others. A fan of classical music and this just gives a much fuller sound and more stuff to play with to change the tone/mood.of the skng.
I saw Epica in NYC about a year ago, Coen crowd surfed while playing that keyboard. It was wild.
Coen was kinda the star in general for me, lots of fun antics throughout the show.
This will be definitely one of my favorite Epica songs. I haven't been a fan of the last two albums that much but this album has given great singles lead by this that I'm pretty exited :P
This is such a great song. The blend of beautiful and brutal is truly amazing!
Joost is an absolute national treasure in the Netherlands. Incredible guy.
Great video Tank!
Try either The Essence of Silence (Live) or my personal fav, Dancing in a Hurricane (Live at Zénith) next!
I second this recommendation. Both those tracks are incredible especially live.
I’m glad you see you reacting to this song! The 3 singles released so far for this album have me very excited to hear the whole thing, and I’m glad to see you’re excited for it as well!
Their previous album, The Holographic Principle has a lot of great music but not a lot of people have reacted to it. I hope you’ll get around to hearing some music from that album. For now, though, if there’s one Epica song I’d like to see you react to, it’s “Victims of Contingency,” from their album, The Quantum Enigma. Although it’s a relatively short song, it’s quite the explosion of heavy music. The chorus has the quintessential Epica sound, while everything else draws inspiration from the heavier sub-genres of metal. I think the song highlights well the death metal influences the band had earlier in its history, for instance.
Anyway, I recommend checking out Epica’s own video for it, “Pinkpop 2014 Aftermovie - Victims of Contingency.” It’s the closest you’ll get to a live performance with a good sounding mix. There is the official music video from Nuclear Blast, but it doesn’t really show much in the way of gear.
Thankful for more Epica. Getting hyped for the new album.
What I love most about Epica is how starkly they contrast between the symphonic elements and the very heavy elements. I especially love the contrasts between Mark’s metal screaming and Simone’s lyrical clean vocal singing. I love the traditional symphonic music as well as the (oftentimes _very_) very heavy metal music. I like how the band tends to keep both elements separated for the greatest contrast, although they also sometimes mix the two to great effect! I have to say, as much as I really like Blind Guardian’s symphonic metal tracks (you should check out Blind Guardian’s “Wheel of Time,” very epic stuff!), Nightwish and Epica have the very best symphonic metal music out there; they prove the two genres of music can co-exist beautifully.
Great video. Can't wait to grab a copy of the CD.
Great reaction absolutely love Epica definitely getting their New album you should also check out their new acoustic tracks.
YES! i was hoping you would do this one soon :D Its a great song! i love the contrast between vocals. Epica in general got a perfect mix of the symphonic elements and the heavy stuff. just love it!
You should check out Meadows End - Non-Dreaming Eye, its a killer song with a cool video with lots of gear ;)
That was Excellent!!! I wasn’t really a fan of metal music but I agree with your comments about symphonic metal - they styles blend well for a dynamic effect. Then add surreal video production and - wow!!! Thanks as always and to borrow from Chase HADGD.
It's nice to hear more about your musical background and you putting some of that into your reactions. I like this a lot🎶
The title reminded me of a line from Nosferatu... Time is an abyss, profound as thousand nights..~
Great song!!!🤘🏻🤩
In the game of symphonic metal singers being married to members of other bands: Simone is married to the keyboard player in Kamelot (also touring keyboard player of Doro for a time)
You have to check out "kingdom of heaven " ! Just do not check their official lyric video 😑 this song is one of epica's masterpieces !
The obsessive devotion - Epica. You will love it!!
Oh and the Phantom Agony!!
Dude, loved this. I was so excited for you to hear that breakdown! Also so glad you talked about that dope keyboard!
Here's my thoughts on the video.
The song is about freeing yourself, achieving inner peace, and reaching enlightenment on an individual and societal level. The singers are representing life and death personified. Simone's halo recalls that associated with Apollo, Jesus, Buddha etc throughout history while Mark wears the robed outfit associated with death. The logger is being lead by nymph-like woman, a common folklore motif of nature incarnate as a beautiful woman who leads men astray. Simone and Mark are playing chess representing fate dueling over the outcome of the loggers life, death wins and the nymph turns and reveals herself. The two women dancing dressed in white and black are also representative of life and death, a reminder of how our existence is a fleeting glimmer between these two competing forces. As the old man / logger closes his eyes and folds into death's embrace the camera zooms out revealing the expansive forest and the continuity of life, with the closing shot of the fog over the forest showing that nature / time wins in the end and is eternal. The choice of the old man as a logger is a nice juxtaposition to the lyrics about the tree of life.
Great reaction. Since you're interested in Rob's bass, he has a playthrough on RUclips of their second Omega single, "Freedom". So if you ever check out that song might be worth checking out the playthrough as well. But yeah, Rob's a big fan of Hellboy. 👍
The last few Epica albums has been produced by Joost van den Broek, whom as you say also works a lot with Arjen Lucassen/Ayreon. But fun fact he was also the keyboardist in After Forever, Floor Jansen's first band. The whole metal community is like one big family.
Also, Tank, WHY IN THE HELL HAVE YOU NOT DONE THE EPICA KINGDOM OF HEAVEN PT 3 OMEGA (A)LIVE SONG YET??? WE NEED YOUR TECHNICAL INPUT!
Already pre-ordered the album. 🤘
Joost van den Broek is also an ex-bandmate from After Forever, and IIRC ex-boyfriend, of our old friend Floor Jansen. And I don't know if you knew this, but Mark Jansen was in After Forever with Floor as well (they're not related).
I agree with your appreciation i'm a big fan of Epica, but don't forget Band Maid they have released another single called Warning!!
Tank, nice posters behind you. Thanks for the videos.
Thank YOU!
You might like Epica "Universal Death Squad" Lyric video. It's a "jam session" style video, so you get to see quite a bit of gear. Plus it's a killer song.
Another great Video
Thank you Tank^^
Have a nice day
Greets from Germany
🤘
You might want to check out another Song from the Upcoming Album... its ... diffrent.. but awesome: EPICA - Rivers (OFFICIAL VISUALIZER) , zero gear there though.. still very special
Also really worth checking out is Epica - Design your Universe (Retrospect)
Epica is and always will be my favorite band, ever. Its hard for any band to consistently put out awesome album after awesome album. They've gone a long ways since the first two albums. Recruiting Isaac and Arien has shown to be good decisions, because they've only went uphill starting at Divine Conspiracy. A lot of Symphonic Metal fans like to say Nightwish is the superior Symphonic Metal band, but I personally think Epica is. They never had a period where the fan base split apart, saying this or that era was better. They never had massive changes in the lineup (replacing the bass, guitar and drums one time in 18 years is pretty good to me) or sound of the band. They consistently put out great music. They know what works and what the fans want. They're not full of any egos and everyone can be involved with songwriting. And they're super cool people as well.
Not to mention Joost is one of the best in the business in mixing and producing and I'm glad they're using him consistently. I wish more bands could use him. I have no doubts this album will be great. Maybe that's the fan boy in me talking. I don't know, but the 3 singles released so far have been spectacular.
This album is gonna be killer. 🤟🏻
Hey Tank, absolutely love your channel. Just saw your reaction to Consign to Oblivion and since you loved this song too it would be great to see you do some more of their big hits! You should check out their live Retrospect 10 year anniversary with a full orchestra and choir!
4/4 and 6/8 Indeed. And Gm to Am in the outro
Let's gooooooooo!!!! ❤️🤘❤️🤘
Thank you for this great reaction. I saw Epica in Montreal 3-4 years ago in a small venue. They were great and sound epic live, It would be cool if you could react to some Fleshgod Apocalypse that were an opening act in that show in Montreal. Take Care!
MORE EPICAA PLEASE !!!!! I never get tired of requesting Design Your Universe live Retrospect, The Essence of Silence LIVE is also a great headbanging song, Ascension Dream-State Armaggedon (shows Epica's death and black metal influences) has a very cool lyric video made out of live footage ( in for the gear) or even Unleashed live retrospect is another cool one for you to analyze.
DUDE SEEN THEM 4 times WOW GO SEE THEM ON TOUR IN THE US HOPEFULLY IN 2022
I now need Tank to do a time signature analysis of Dream Theater's Dance of Eternity...
I bought one of their albums based on the their album cover. Fuck me i was so over the moon when i hit play for the first time.
Tank mate, i know you have listened to Soilwork but please react to their "Death In General" video... There is something that will make you laugh a side from how insane the song is.
Thanks for the curved keyboard facts. Always interested me 👍
DUDE YOU HAVE ABOUT 20 solid songs to check out
Hey man, I tell you the same I commented to Chase this days, don't miss listening to the acoustic version of this song! ("Abyss O'Time") In that video you could have a better look to the drum kit, but the other instruments might be a little out of your comfort zone 😅, so it would be fun if you are up to the challenge! At the very least, you'll see how diverse Epic can be musically! Love your videos, as always.
Dude, what about Demons and Wizards, The Gunslinger from Wacken? Awesome supergroup featuring Iced Earth and Blind Guardian musicians. Plus some vocals and musicians that contribute regularly on Ayreon projects. And Wintersun. They deserve more attention. Cheerz, mate 🤘
This song is awesome.
They made an accoustic version called Abyss O'Time, you should also listen to Rivers (new song), both songs are really beautiful!
Man, I love Epica! Not my favorite song but dang good. I'll have to go and preorder this now. If I had to conduct or arrange this the time signatures for the pre and chorus is a very solid 3/4. It could be counted in 6/8 but the tempo adjustment would be difficult. For me, it feels way more in 3. I would also love to play a Dingwall. The NG-3 is my dream bass. Also, I love how the folk metal gets you. I love it too.
Love the Epica.
I Just can't believe this. How 🤟🤟🤟
If Disney met metal and they had a baby it would definitely be this song. 😂 I absolutely love this song it is my favorite Epica song by far. Thank your reaction was very fun to watch. I absolutely loved this whole video thank you. 🤘😋🤘
Great reaction
yeaah! finally epica again! nice reaction tank that new album is really grood so far! hope you will also react to older live shows these 2 are highly recommended!
Epica - The Essence Of Silence (OFFICIAL LIVE VIDEO) ruclips.net/video/P6hX5rpEOgY/видео.html
EPICA - Unleashed (OFFICIAL LIVE) ruclips.net/video/rxd6sxLxdys/видео.html
greetings from the netherlands
i second essence of silence. unleashed is great too but essence of silence is so damn good
@@micahmaughan1101 ohh yea its a banger!
I ffing listened this song live. I still cannot believe it. Though I had to travel over 1000km for that.
Hy Tank i like symphonic metal! in Dutch there are Epica, Within Temptation, Delain and also the Project Ayreon. And also Simone Epica, Floor Nightwish and After Forever, Sharon Within Temptation, Anneke van Giersbergen The Gathering and Charlotte Wessels from Delain. Wonderful music !!!!°
For some reason I thought that Coen's bendy keyboard was attached to a belt/chest rig like the drummers in a marching band wear, but a guitar strap makes a whole lot more sense. And it's probably a fair bit more comfortable to wear too. As far as playing it goes? I'm willing to bet it took him a good few days of practice to get used to that. It'd probably take me forever to get used to it.
Dude - love your reactions - they're fantastic. A lesser known symphonic metal band to check out is Diabulus in Musica. Their live video "Lies In Your Eyes" is well done and will give you the chance to check out some gear. Keep up the great work!
Thanks man!
That wireless keyboard is definately designed for live performance. I think with practice you will have no problem with the bend, once muscle memory kicks in!
Epic(a) Monday! I would recommend Unleashed - live (retrospect show) for more gear and production talk. There is not a lot of story there ;)
I love Abyss of Time and all of Epica. And Tank, are we getting another Blind Guardian reaction soon? :)
DUDE EPICA IS BEAUTIFUL METAL
if you want to have a better look at ariën's drum kit, there are drum cam videos on the epica youtube channel of him playing some songs in the studio
Windrose covered their covers cover during Covid to a party remix, it’s pretty sick though
Rob worked with Dingwall and Darkglass together. His hellboy bass has a distortion circuit built in
Please do Ayreon - This Human Equation (featuring Simone Simons) at some point!
And Kamelot - The Haunting (Somewhere In Time) (also featuring Simone Simons) :p
Also throwing out some older Epica songs like Chasing the Dragon (which has a really cool recent live version) and Cry for the Moon
To just say its good is simply an injustice.
A good one to check out: MaYaN.
A side project Mark with some members of other symphonic bands, it is symphonic but darker then Epica, check out Saints don't die
You should react to Kingdom of Heaven! It's arguably their best song and has plenty of gear for you to check out in the video. The fan cam video has great audio in the live setting, although I think it's audio from the album over the top. I'd say Kingdom of Heaven is to Epica what Ghost Love Score is to Nightwish. Keep these videos coming, more Epica of any kind please!!
Have a look at the acoustic version now.
Probably you already know as Chase might have mentioned it to you (he's already done it) the live performance of Epica's Unleashed from the 10th Anniversary Retrospect show it has something special a little way in from the start that you should see. Maybe you've seen similar maybe not. This is the official video - ruclips.net/video/rxd6sxLxdys/видео.html
This one is nice!
This comment is nice!
Yo Tank, you might have forgotten but we didnt! we still waiting for both "Hollow Prophet - Infernal Cleasing" and "Slice the cake - The Mountains of Man"! :D
I can’t wait to see Simone and Mark bouncing off each other doing this live :)
EPIC!!!